T5 Summary

Sporting a higher-resolution 18MP sensor, improved HD video recording capabilities and a more thorough covering of grip material, the Canon T5 is a refreshed and updated entry into the Canon EOS system. Image quality is very good, though its high ISO performance lags behind some of its competitors. Keep in mind the T5's entry-level price and its lack of bells and whistles and top-tier performance aren't all that surprising -- but something to keep in mind, though. All in all, it's a solid camera for the money and a great option if you want to step into the DSLR world.

Pros

Very good image quality with great color accuracy; Lightweight and compact design; Great value for the money; Canon EF-S mount provides access to a vast array of lens options; Feature Guide and Creative Auto helps new users.

Cons

Slow burst mode; Shallow buffer; Without AF assist from flash low-light AF can struggle; Dynamic range and high ISO performance not as good as some competing models; No continuous AF in movie mode; Mono sound; No external mic jack.

Price and availability

The Canon Rebel T5 was originally shipped in March 2014 for around US$550 with the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II kit lens. As of February 2015, this price has dropped to around $450-500.

Canon's previous entry-level DSLR offering, the Rebel T3, has decidedly become a bit long in the tooth after being released all the way back in March 2011. Thankfully, Canon hasn't forgotten about its beginner and entry-level DSLR users with the introduction of the Canon Rebel T5.

Sitting below the Rebel T5i in their product lineup, the aptly-named Canon T5 provides some notable upgrades to the T3 both inside and out. While not as significant an upgrade as when Canon jumped from the Rebel XS to the Rebel T3 in 2011, the T5 does offer improvements to both still imaging and HD video recording capabilities.

Image Quality. The most significant upgrade to the Canon T5 is the boost in resolution thanks to an 18-megapixel CMOS sensor, up from 12.2 megapixels. Combined with the same DIGIC 4 image processor as the T3, the T5's improved sensor is said to produce better images in low-light situations. The ISO range has been expanded from 100-6400 with a new extended high ISO of 12,800. In contrast, the Rebel T3 topped out at ISO 6400.

HD Video Recording. The second significant upgrade to the T5 are the improved HD video recording capabilities that now include Full HD 1920x1080 resolution at a variety of frame rates (30p, 24p and 25p), while the T3 was limited to 1280x720 at 30p or 25p. The T5 also has 720p HD video at the faster 60/50p frame rates for better fast action videos. And unlike the T3, the Canon T5 allows for manual control of aperture, shutter speed and ISO for video recording.

Like the Rebel T3, continuous autofocus during video recording is not supported (you'll need to step up to the T5i or SL1 for that), however the Canon T5 can refocus on command during recording, and of course, manual focus is available.

Get a grip. The last notable change to the T5 is an exterior upgrade. Unlike the T5i (and the other Rebel Txi models before it), the T3 did not have a rubberized grip covering on the handgrip or thumbrest. This has now been rectified with the Canon T5, and should make the camera all the more comfortable and secure in your hand.

Other features. The other specs and features of the Canon Rebel T5 remain largely unchanged from its predecessor, although there are a few minor button placement tweaks in this newer camera. The T5 carries over a similar 9-point AF system with one central cross-type AF point, and a 3fps continuous shooting burst performance spec. According to Canon, the T5 is capable of continuous shooting for up to approximately 69 JPEGs or 6 RAW files. The Canon T5 does however provide both a size and resolution boost to its LCD monitor with a 3.0-inch 460K-dot panel, up from the 2.7-inch 230K-dot LCD in the Canon T3.

Like other Rebel-series cameras, the Canon T5 also includes a number of scene modes for photos, as well as some special effects such as Grainy B/W, Soft Focus, Fisheye, Toy Camera and Miniature that can be applied to previously captured images. And the Canon T5 helps guide novice shooters with shooting mode guides that explain certain features and camera settings.

Availability. The Canon Rebel T5 began shipping from March 2014 as part of a kit configuration only with the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens at a suggested retail price of US$549.99 (about $50 less expensive than the T3's initial MSRP), though it's currently readily available for around US$450-500.

Canon T5 Field Test

A lot of camera for the money

by Jason Schneider|06/26/2014

In the hand. The Canon EOS Rebel T5 is an entry-level DSLR being offered at the enticingly low street price of a whisker under US$500 to appeal to first-time DSLR buyers and casual shooters, but with sufficient tech, features, and overall street creds to motivate some enthusiasts as well. Size-wise it's on the compact side for an APS-C-format DSLR (5.1 x 3.9 x 3.1 inches body only) and its polycarbonate body with stainless steel lens mount weighs in at only 16.9 ounces (the standard Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II, 29-88mm equivalent zoom kit lens adds another 2.8 inches in depth and 7.1 ounces in weight). The lightweight T5 is comfortable and beautifully balanced in your hands with sufficient heft to feel like a real camera, and its nicely rounded contours and perfectly shaped ergonomic handgrip contribute to that impression. Controls are clearly labeled and where you'd expect to find them and experienced shooters will have no problem operating this camera without referring to the clear, comprehensive printed instruction manual.

Read Jason's Canon T5 Field Test for his take on real-world handling and performance.

Canon T5 Image Quality Comparison

See how the Canon T5 stacks up against its competitors.

by William Brawley|02/25/2015

The crops in our Canon T5 image quality comparison, pit the Rebel T5 against the Canon T3, its predecessor, as well as the more full-featured Canon T5i. We also compare it to other manufacturer's compeitors, which in this case include the Nikon D3300, Pentax K-500 and Sony A5100.

NOTE: These images are best quality JPEGs straight out of the camera, at default settings including noise reduction and using the actual base ISO (not extended ISO settings). All cameras in this comparison were shot with our very sharp reference lenses. Click any image to bring up the full test shot.

Canon T5 Print Quality

How's the entry-level Canon Rebel look on paper?

by Dave Pardue|02/25/2015

The Canon T5 stands up in the print quality department in most regards to its pricier sibling the T5i, falling behind it at only a couple of higher ISOs by one print size. At lower ISOs, the T5 compares similarly to other APS-C cameras at these settings, and still delivers a good prints up to at ISO 6,400. And all this while priced at just MSRP US$550, including a good kit lens. Due to the amazing price/performance ratio, we certainly give the Canon T5 an overall "good" rating in our print quality assessment.

Canon T5 Conclusion

by William Brawley|02/25/2015

After a long time in the making, the Canon T5 comes as a very welcomed upgrade over 2011's Canon Rebel T3 DSLR. Sporting a newer, higher-resolution, 18-megapixel sensor as opposed to the 12MP one in its predecessor, the T5 provides not only larger, higher-res images, but also an increased ISO range up to 12,800. The T5 also provides a substantial upgrade in HD video recording capabilities, now going up to Full HD at 30p and 24p (25p for PAL), whereas the T3 maxed out at only 720p video. The T5 still has 720p recording, of course, but now offers a faster 60p (50p PAL) frame rate for better fast-action videos. Also, for more advanced control in video mode, it offers full manual exposure control for the first time in this entry-level EOS camera category.